Hole 9 at TPC Twin Cities
Par 4 • 490 Yards • Blaine, Minnesota
The ninth hole at TPC Twin Cities has earned its reputation as the most demanding test on the course, consistently ranking as the toughest hole for both PGA Tour professionals and club members alike. This water-laden challenge continues to grow more difficult each year, separating contenders from pretenders during tournament play. Even the world's best players struggle here, making it a true championship hole that defines rounds.
5 Days Away
3M Open
Jul 23–26, 2026 at TPC Twin Cities. Passes typically start around $75. Prices rise as the tournament approaches.
Get 3M Open TicketsSee full tournament page →StubHub · 200,000+ verified tickets sold for golf events
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Hole Stats
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 490 yds
- Green
- 7876 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 4
- Water
- Yes
- Course Slope
- 148
- Course Rating
- 75.7
Recommended Gear
Water's in play — a premium ball you trust helps you commit to the shot.
Shop Golf Balls →Strategy Tips
Consider laying back with a 3-wood or utility club to the widest part of the fairway at 250 yards, where it opens to 55 yards wide, rather than attempting to drive close to the green and risk the water hazards that make this the most difficult hole for both pros and members.
From a layup position around 250 yards, you'll face a mid-iron approach shot of roughly 240 yards to a substantial green measuring 7,876 square feet (33x46 yards), giving you a good target despite the heavy protection around it.
Be extremely cautious of the water hazards and greenside bunkers positioned at 490, 495, and 502 yards - these protect the green complex and contribute to this hole's reputation as the toughest on the course where even top pros struggle to stay under par.
If you choose to be aggressive off the tee, note that the fairway is 47 yards wide at the 200-yard mark, but the risk-reward heavily favors the conservative play given the severe penalties for missing.
With the green measuring 46 yards deep, club selection is critical on your approach - the generous depth can work for or against you depending on pin position, so aim for the center of this 7,876 square foot target to avoid the surrounding hazards.
This 490-yard par 4 is ideal for working on your driver accuracy. Launch monitors from $600 let you practice this exact shot with real course data from home.
See launch monitors & simulatorsWhen water is in play, commit to a conservative target. A bogey beats a big number every time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best strategy off the tee?
For this 490-yard par 4, most players will hit driver to set up a comfortable approach.
How difficult is hole 9?
This hole is one of the tougher holes on the course for most golfers. Key challenges include: long par 4, water in play, heavily bunkered, large green requiring good lag putting.
What hazards should I watch out for on hole 9?
Key hazards include: 4 greenside bunkers; water at 322.5 yards. Plan your shots to avoid these trouble spots.
How big is the green on hole 9?
The green is large and can play quite long. Three-putt territory if you don't manage your approach distance well.
What's a good score on hole 9?
This hole is one of the tougher holes where par feels like birdie. A challenging par 4. Accept that bogey happens and avoid big numbers.
Can I watch hole 9 at the 3M Open in person?
Yes — the 3M Open at TPC Twin Cities is one of the PGA Tour's most-attended events, drawing over 200,000 spectators across the week. Hole 9 is a popular viewing spot. StubHub typically lists single-day grounds passes starting around $75–$150, with premium grandstand and hospitality options available for serious fans. Prices tend to climb as the tournament approaches, so buying early often saves 30–40%. Buy 3M Open tickets on StubHub →
Can I practice hole 9 on a golf simulator at home?
Yes — many modern launch monitors and simulators include real course data for TPC Twin Cities. You can play this exact 490-yard par 4 shot-by-shot at home. Entry-level options like the SkyTrak+ (around $2,500) and Garmin Approach R10 (around $600) support course play, while premium systems from Trackman and Foresight offer tour-level accuracy. Most systems pay for themselves in a season or two versus green fees and range balls. Shop home golf simulators →
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5 Days Away
3M Open
Jul 23–26, 2026 at TPC Twin Cities. Passes typically start around $75. Prices rise as the tournament approaches.
Get 3M Open TicketsSee full tournament page →StubHub · 200,000+ verified tickets sold for golf events
Play This Course at Home
Practice TPC Twin Cities Year-Round
Launch monitors from $600 and simulators from $2,500 include real course data. Play every hole without leaving home.
Browse Launch Monitors & SimulatorsAmazon · Top brands compared · Free returns on most items
We may earn a commission when you buy through links on this page, at no extra cost to you.
Hole Stats
- Par
- 4
- Yardage
- 490 yds
- Green
- 7876 sq ft
- Bunkers
- 4
- Water
- Yes
- Course Slope
- 148
- Course Rating
- 75.7
Recommended Gear
Water's in play — a premium ball you trust helps you commit to the shot.
Shop Golf Balls →Get the Free Strategy Guide
All TPC Twin Cities holes — tips, yardages, and pro strategies delivered to your inbox.